Billy                                                                                   20% of story
Stage 3 - Transitional Reader

My name is William Barnsley, but everyone just calls me Billy, which is short for William. I like magic, wizards, and anything that is mysterious. I love the challenge of finding clues and getting to the bottom of any type of mystery, including words that are strange sounding.

Mother                                                                            10% of story
Stage 4 - Intermediate Reader

I am Billy's mother, and I have two children, a husband, and a home to care for.  I also have my widowed mother-in-law to look after, and I seem to be very busy all the time. Billy is so full of energy and always asks so many questions. I try to keep him busy with errands and responsibilities, but even then he manages to get involved in things that are sometimes a little more than I can handle.

Grandmother                                                              11% of story
Stage 4 - Intermediate Reader

I am Billy's grandmother. I love to spend time with him. I get lonely sometimes, since my husband died just a few years ago, so now I especially enjoy his visits. His wit and love of life reminds me of his grandfather in some ways, yet he is brand new in many ways as well. I love to bake him cookies and he always manages to get here when they are just coming out of the oven.

Casey                                                                                    8% of story
Stage 2 - Beginning Reader

I am Billy's best friend. We ride bikes together almost every day and we have the same teacher at school. Billy is always working on something neat, so it's fun to be around him. We always end up having a great time.

Mr. Vervill                                                                       23% of story
Stage 5 - Advanced Reader

My name is Mr. Vervill. I live away from town on a beautiful farm.  I love my farm and usually have no need to leave it. Everything I need to live is right here, and my trusty dog keeps me company. I like the simple life, so much so, that I don't even have a phone. Billy's grandfather and I were best friends most of our lives. I really miss Nat a lot. We had some great times together.

Narrator                                                                             27% of story
Stage 5 - Advanced Reader

As the narrator, I am the master storyteller! It's up to me to keep the story alive and interesting with each exciting detail. So, I must read everything with expression and excitement!